Alabama labor official expects Toyota-Mazda, other jobs to recruit wellDecatur Daily – Feb. 5
Toyota-Mazda and Bocar plan new plants in Huntsville-annexed Limestone County as jobless rates hover at 3.5 percent statewide and even lower in Morgan and other counties, but the state’s top labor official believes recruiting should be successful for these high-paying, high-demand jobs … When estimating available labor force, you have to look at both unemployed and underemployed workers in the area, said Ahmad Ijaz, the executive director and director of economic forecasting in the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research.4-Traders – Feb. 5Anniversary of Autherine Lucy’s enrollment at UAKTRK-ABC (Houston, Texas) – Feb. 3
The anniversary of a defining moment in our state’s history happens tomorrow, Autherine Lucy’s enrollment at the University of Alabama. Lucy was the first African- American student to enroll at a public college or university in our state. She registered as a graduate student, and attended her first class on February 3rd, 1956. A few days later on February 6th riots broke out on campus, and a mob threatened the car used to drive Lucy between classes.WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 2CrossingPoint graduate makes his dream come trueCrimson White – Feb. 5
The CrossingPoints program at The University of Alabama has taught students with disabilities valuable life skills that give them the freedom to take charge of their life, one towel at a time. Cody Pope and his grandmother, Rosemary Ingram, moved to Tuscaloosa in 2006 to attend the Tier 1 program in CrossingPoints, which serves students 18-21 years old. He attended that program from 2006 until his graduation in 2008. “Cody learned in CrossingPoints how to fold his laundry. I had always done all of that,” said Rosemary Ingram, Cody Pope’s grandmother. “In CrossingPoints, you fold your towels differently from the way I fold them. He is convinced to this day that I’m wrong.”

Culverhouse LIFT program inspires participants, studentsCrimson White – Feb. 4
David Hose, a former UA student, and Lisa McKinney, an accounting professor at the University, created LIFT four years ago. Though it started as a business school initiative, students from all majors volunteer. “I have seen individuals gain confidence from this program,” McKinney said. “It makes them feel sure and polished.”

Nick’s Kids to fund, build 17th Habitat house for local familyTuscaloosa News – Feb. 4
When freshman Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa launched the pass to seal the Crimson Tide’s 17th national title at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 8, time seemed to halt for Donna Smith. A lifelong Alabama fan and, at 47, a survivor of open heart surgery, Smith said she wondered throughout the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Georgia whether she needed to turn it off in order to preserve her health.

UA to host Tuscaloosa Africana Film FestivalWVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 2
You can enjoy an evening filled with African American Films tomorrow night at the Bama Theatre in Downtown Tuscaloosa. There’s something for the entire family.

Campus veterans organizations create Purple Heart InitiativeDaily Mississippian – Feb. 5
At a recent Associated Student Body Senate meeting, President Dion Kevin said he wanted to add a Purple Heart section on the Circle to honor veterans. However, Andrew Newby, assistant director of Veterans and Military services (VMS), and Student Veterans of America (SVA) have already put this type of initiative into place … The University of Alabama is the only other SEC school that designates Purple Heart parking spots on campus. Newby said there are a few other institutions across the country that have similar programs, but not as far-reaching as the one here.

UA to hold Power of Pink Gymnastics MeetFox 6 (Birmingham) – Feb. 2
The Power of Pink Gymnastics Meet is happening here tonight at 7:30. It’s all about raising awareness, and money, for the fight against breast cancer. The Power of Pink Initiative was started more than 10 years ago by legendary Alabama coach Sarah Patterson. Tonight, Alabama will face Arkansas, and both teams will put aside their school colors and wear pink in support of the cause.

The University of Alabama, the state’s oldest and largest public institution of higher education, is a student-centered research university that draws the best and brightest to an academic community committed to providing a premier undergraduate and graduate education. UA is dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarship, collaboration and intellectual engagement; providing public outreach and service to the state of Alabama and the nation; and nurturing a campus environment that fosters collegiality, respect and inclusivity.